Iconic Chairs: How Our Past Has Continued to Define Our Present

The fashion industry and the interior design industry have a lot in common; for starters, old trends have a way of becoming new trends. Whether bowlers are the new fedoras, velvet is the new wool, or block heels are the new stilettos, we cannot help but to look to the past for design inspiration.

When it comes to interior design, some of the oldest chairs around have had the most staying power. These are the iconic chairs – the ones we swoon over – but have no idea where they came from. Well here is a little history lesson on chairs that may be “old,” but they never seem to get old.

The Barcelona Chair

Source: Suite at Sofitel Chicago Water Tower

With its tufted leather seating and sleek stainless steel legs, the Barcelona Chair is a favorite for residential and commercial spaces alike. The brainchild of German-American architect Mies van der Rohe, the Barcelona chair made its debut at the German Pavilion of the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, Spain. Even though the chair retails for over $5500 at Knoll, museums, galleries and lovers of modern design have to have it.

The Eames Lounge Chair

source: Chicago Interior Design Firm jamesthomas LLC

Nothing screams iconic more than making the permanent collection at the New York City Museum of Modern Art. At home in both offices and living rooms, the Eames Lounge Chair appeals to those who enjoy all things modern or mid-century modern. Using the groundbreaking technique of bending plywood, the American husband and wife duo of Charles and Ray Eames designed this classic chair for Herman Miller in 1956. Composed of luxurious leather and molded plywood, with an ottoman to boot, the Eames lounge chair starts at $4935 at Herman Miller.

The Egg Chair

source: Apartment Therapy

Designed by Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, the Egg Chair is reminiscent of an egg. The chair was originally created in 1958 for the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. This rounded chair with its expansive back, star-shaped aluminum legs and accompanying ottoman can be purchased in leather, cowhide or fabric. Prices start at $6894 for the chair at Design Within Reach, without the ottoman.

The Wishbone Chair

source: Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Retailing from $599 to $1,440 at Design Within Reach, the Wishbone Chair derives its name from its aesthetic; the back of the chair literally resembles a wishbone. Originally designed in 1944 by Danish furniture designer Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son, this chair is frequently used in dining room spaces and can be ordered in either a natural or painted finish. The iconic chair is over 70 years old, but its popularity has not dwindled, as evidenced by its constant duplication.

Get the look for less at West Elm:

source: John Vogel Dining Chair at West Elm

This John Vogel Dining Chair may be missing the wishbone, but the overall style, legs and seat definitely feel very Wishbone chair to me. Priced at $299 each at West Elm, these are a steal compared to the real deal.

Next time you’re out shopping for furniture, would you be able to spot those iconic furniture pieces that have outlasted the competition? For more history on iconic furniture, please visit www.superiorinteriorsbykj.com.

[…] Art School in Germany. There, pioneers of design like Mies Van der Rohe (read more about his iconic Barcelona Chair here) and Marcel Breuer were taught the values of creativity, experimentation and problem solving in […]